February 28, 2016

Why is window tinting regulated?

Dark-tinted front windows make it difficult for law enforcement to
identify hit-and-run drivers, or to establish eye contact with suspects
during traffic stops. They make it more dangerous for police, and easier
for suspects to conceal weapons behind the tinted windows. Police in
some areas of the country carry portable "tintmeters” to check windows
that might be darker than the law allows.

February 26, 2016

Explanation of the State Window Tinting Law Summary Chart

This summary chart of state aftermarket tint law information
is not a legal document. It is the result of independent
research, using several sources of public state documents.
Window tinting laws vary from state to state and province
to province. Before applying any window tinting materials,
installers should thoroughly review the appropriate state
regulations as well as local enforcement policies to insure
compliance with all applicable standards.

Type:

Film-------VLT%
refers to the film itself

Net--------VLT% refers to the combined
film & glass

Vague-----The language of the law is unclear,
legislative intent is unclear, or interpretation is uncertain.

Windshield: Presumably, NR tinting is permitted
above the AS-1 line. If the law specifies only the AS-1
line, AS-1 appears. If AS-1 or specified inches appears,
the AS-1 is assumed and only the number of inches down appears.(Note:
NR is used in lieu of "No, Any, or a specific percentage”
when the law permits unspecified "nonobstructive”
or "Transparent” tinting materials. In these
cases, the legality of tinting inevitably depends upon each
officer’s discretion.

Front Sides: No film, or the actual percentage
of VLT permitted. (Note: Because they may vary from state
to state, manufacturer’s tolerances (i.e. + / - 3%
VLT) are not listed on this chart, not are they included
in these VLT numbers.)

MPV: Multi Purpose Vehicle, a vehicle used
for passengers on a truck chassis, such as a limo.

Back Sides: No film, or the actual percentage
of VLT permitted.

Rear: No film, or the actual percentage
of VLT permitted.
% of Reflectivity:

NR--------No
metallic or mirrored appearanceNE---------Not excessive (not specific)MNIR-----Must not increase reflectivityMBNR----Must be non-reflective (not specific)NMMA----No metallic or mirrored appearanceNONE-----No reference to reflectivity in
the current law
Restricted Colors: R (Red), A (Amber), Y (Yellow), B (Blue)
Mirrors (Left & Right required outside): YES or NO.
(Note: Usually, a (YES means that dual outside mirrors are
required if the back window is to be tinted.)

Certification Required: YES or NO. (Note:
This refers to a requirement for manufacturers to certify
the films they plan to sell before shipping them into the
state.)

Stckr/Loc (Sticker Location): NO (No sticker
is required)

RECOMMEND (Sticker is recommended; can
assist officers in identifying legal tint more easily.)

Specific Locations: The State requires
unique language & design, which may entail precise wording
and sizing.

DRIVER: The sticker is required between
the film & glass on the driver’s side window.

DOOR: The sticker is required on the inside
of the driver’s side doorjamb.

ALL: The sticker should be put between the film & glass
on each tinted window.

Medical Exemption: YES or NO. (Note: For
more details about the specific terms of the exemption,
consult the law.)

February 25, 2016

Tips for tinting car windows

We all dread climbing into a vehicle that’s been sitting outside in the
summer heat. Short shorts and leather seats can be an especially bad
combination. Tinted windows are one way to help keep your backside from
burning. You'll want to consider hiring a pro to make sure you get the
best tint job for your car.

1. Familiarity with local regulations - Because
dark windows are a safety concern for law enforcement officers when
they’re making a traffic stop, many cities and states have specific
limits on how dark you can tint your windows. Most professional window
tinting companies make it their business to say up-to-date on window
tint regulations. While some shops may provide darker-than-legal tint,
most shops make sure their customers stay on the right side of the law.

2. Experience - Unless you’re purchasing a more expensive professional-grade tint
kit, you’ll likely find the film in a DIY window tint kit is flimsy and
temperamental when compared to the higher quality materials a window
tinting pro would use. For a first-timer, window film in general is hard
to work with; a slight breeze or wind can cause creases or crinkles,
and some may find it hard to keep dust or other debris from sticking to
the film.

3. First-time success - Even if you
successfully apply window tint film to your vehicle’s windows, you may
not do so perfectly. So try again, right? Not quite. Removing window
film is much more difficult than applying it, due in part to the sticky
adhesive used to apply it to the auto glass.

4. Guaranteed work - If a professional window tinting company does a bad job, car owners
can always demand re-tinting or they can try to get their money back. If
and when you make a mistake while tinting you own windows, however, you
probably won’t be able redo the tinting without buying another kit.

5. Cost - The cost to tint all of a car's windows can range in price from $120
for a small car up to $380 for large vans. DIY kits are most frequently
used as a way of saving money. However, low-grade window tinting film
does not always provide good results for the car. For example, one of
the main reasons car owners are interested in window tinting is that
they want to protect their car’s interior from fading and cracking.
Cheap or low-quality window tinting, though, does not always provide
this protection.

February 20, 2016

Window Tints For Heat Reduction

Window tints let in light but they also let in heat and harmful UV rays.
Did you know that a standard tint can help reduce your indoor
temperatures by about 15%? That translates into huge savings on the
energy front. However, you don’t have to choose a dark tint for the
purpose – nowadays, clear tints can offer all the protection against the
sun without making your interiors dark and depressing. Another
advantage of installing a window tint is that it blocks 99% of the UV
rays, which can cause fading and bleaching of your precious furniture
and upholstery.